My Everyday Essentials

Sunday, 27 August 2017

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I do so many posts on some really amazing products, which are either limited edition, or brand new, or a little different, but I haven't yet done a post on My Everyday Essentials, the products which I use day in, day out, yet at the end of the day these are the products which I obviously love the most, and so I thought I would do a post on all the things I use on a daily basis...
Starting with haircare, and as I have highlights at the moment, I have been using the Pro:Voke Liquid Blonde Colour Care Shampoo and Conditioner (£3.99/£4.99). I think it is super important to use a colour care shampoo and conditioner if you have coloured hair as they protect the colour from fading, especially if you have something like a bright red or black. Liquid Blonde prevents colour build-up and dulling to give me soft and manageable hair, and also includes light-reflecting particles and Tamanu Oil which makes your hair look really shiny and vibrant. I think the price point for this duo is also really reasonable so it's not going to break the bank whilst caring for your tresses.
Something I use pretty much day in, day out without fail is Batiste (£2.99), and I have done since they first ever brought it out and you could only get it in one fragrance. Now there's a whole collection of scents, plus styling products. Their most recent fragrance release is the Rose Gold one, which includes top notes of Bergamot and Freesia, middle notes of Rose, Jasmine and Almond, and Base Notes of Vanilla, Praline and Orris. It smells really lovely without being overpowering and I don't need to tell you what Batiste dry shampoo does, we all know, love and appreciate it. Can I get a Hallelujah?
Something I have been using for a short while now, but which has transformed the condition of my hair is the Michael Van Clarke 3 More Inches Magic Oil (£24.50). This has been formulated to give all the benefits of Moroccan Oil, but without the damaging effects of silicone and is infused with natural oils to combat frizz and ease styling whilst nourishing and protecting the hair. A little goes a long way with this, and so the handy sized glass bottle is going to last you a while. I have quite long hair but it is really fine, so I only need 1-2 drops warmed between my palms, but if you have thicker hair than maybe 3-4 would suffice.
Moving on to body care, and starting with the Bic Miss Soleil Razors (£3.85). I like to switch my razors quite often as I am a bit of a clean freak, and this pack of four disposable ones is more than affordable and allows me to change them more frequently than if I had an electric razor. They're super pretty and come in different shades of pink with little flowers cut out of the handles. There is a strip of Vitamin E above the blades to help keep your skin conditioned whilst shaving.
On to body lotion, and I'm not going to lie, it isn't something I use every morning and every evening religiously, because my skin doesn't need it, but my moisturiser of choice is the Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Body Lotion (£3.99). Palmers is such a much-loved body care staple all over the world, and you really cannot go wrong at under a fiver for a large bottle. This can be used all over the body to moisturise and soften the skin, and can also help smooth and blend marks and scars, so is also a little bit of a treatment product. As I have had a lot of operations, I do have a lot of scars on my tummy, so it's nice to use a product that helps take care of this.
As a blogger I am fortunate enough to try a multitude of skincare products, but the first one I have been loving a lot lately is the Bioderma Mild Cleansing Foaming Gel (£10.50), which comes in a pretty pink bottle. This beauty gently removes makeup from the face and eyes, to calm the skin, soothe it and give you that ever so fresh clean feeling. It has been formulated using an exclusive DAF complex and active ingredients to reinforce the skin's tolerance threshold and hydration. I love how it comes in a pump bottle as this makes it so quick and easy to use, especially in a morning before work and is fragrance-free and soap-free, making it great for even sensitive skin.
For a moisturiser I have been obsessed with the Vichy Slow Age Day Fluid (£30), which comes in such a stunning glass bottle - packaging to me is important! This lightweight creamy emulsion helps to visibly change and slow down the predictive course of skin's ageing. I found that within just one use, my skin felt super moisturised and protected all day long, and the longer you continue to use it, the stronger and better the results. Another amazing thing about the Fluid is that it has an SPF25 so you can rest assured that your skin is being cared for every single day.
Even though my skin has improved since my operations, due to a change in hormones, I still have quite red, sensitised skin, along with large pores, and so before I apply my makeup I have been using the Nurture Replenish Instant Skin Perfector (£13.95). This works as a primer to provide a base for your makeup and instantly blurs the appearance of skin imperfections such as fine lines, wrinkles and pores. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin, and contains red clover and lipobelle soyaglycone to give skin a lift and to provide antioxidant protection.
Mascaras I use daily at the moment include the L'Oreal Paradise Mascara, which I recently did a post on, and the Body Shop Lash Hero Fibre Extension Mascara (£12). Because my lashes are very fine, short, straight and blonde, I often need something a little extra with my mascara, and with this mascara having a fibre applicator, this works great for me. It adds volume and lengthens my lashes, and its pretty quick and easy to use, you simply brush on the fibres from one end of the mascara, and then coat the lashes with the mascara end. I love how this comes in different colours too, and the green looks gorgeous!
Something I didn't think I needed until I tried it is the Inglot HoldOn Lip Primer (£9). This lip primer is super easy to use, and goes on translucent so that you can't mess it up, to provide care to the lips, as well as preparing them for makeup application. The HoldOn Lip Primer extends the wear of your lipstick or gloss and helps to bring out its colour depth, all whilst being made with Cotton Seed Oil, Vitamin E and Shea Butter, which are renowned for their nourishing and moisturising properties.
A nail polish top coat which I have used for well over ten years is the Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat (£9). It has a patented formula which allows it to penetrate through nail polish to the base coat, forming a single solid coating for a much more durable finish and doesn't allow polish to stain the nails. It helps to dry the nails quicker than normal and leaves your colour looking super glossy and polished, allowing you a salon-worthy manicure without a salon price tag!
All the Loves,
Kathryn x

*This post contains PR samples, but all views are my own
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Feel Unique Best of Beauty Box

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I was saying on Twitter the other day that I felt really let down by beauty subscription boxes recently, as the quality, choice and brands just weren't good enough. However, I am seeing a lot more 'one off' boxes, where you are not tied down to a subscription, and these tend to be full of much better products, often full sized, and I would like to introduce you to the Feel Unique Best of Beauty Box, with the most recent theme, Universal Makeup. Universal by name and nature, this beauty box features a fabulous collection of makeup essentials which will look great on all skin tones and ages, to give you a perfect everyday makeup look.
Starting with a product I know and love, the Laura Geller Spackle Treatment Makeup Primer. This is a product that is well-know and well-loved in the beauty world, and here you are getting a full size. There are now lots of variations of Spackle, and this one is the Hydrating version, and so it is perfect for the upcoming Autumn/Winter months. You simply use it like any other primer, smoothing it onto the skin, before you apply your makeup to give you a great makeup base.
Another full-sized product included is the Nude by Nature Translucent Loose Finishing Powder. I haven't tried this brand before so it was great to be able to try something new. You get quite a lot of product, so this is going to last you rather a long time, and it is so easy to use. Just buff a small amount of the powder to give your skin a healthy, luminous finish to it, whilst it also keeps your face from becoming shiny later on in the day and keeps your makeup in place.
We then have a PHB Natural and Organic Eye Liner in a Charcoal Grey shade. I haven't heard of this brand, yet with it being an ethical beauty company, I imagine it will be really popular with those mindful to where their makeup comes from and is made. The charcoal grey colour of the pencil will be a nice, softer alternative to black, especially with my blue eyes and I love how soft the pencil is on the skin, and how easily it applies.
The final full-sized product is the Bourjois Rouge Edition Souffle de Velvet Liquid Lipstick in the shade 02 Coquelic'oh! Bourjois is an excellent high street makeup brand, and they provide quality yet affordable products, so I knew I would enjoy this one. It is quite a bright red shade, but it is semi-sheer, so it isn't going to give you a huge red pout, but a soft, velvety feeling colour to the lips, and doesn't dry them out like some liquid lipsticks can do.
The first of the three mini-sized products is the Elizabeth Arden Lasting Impression Mascara. Now, as a huge Elizabeth Arden and mascara fan, I was definitely excited to try this. Even though it is a smaller size, the brush itself is full sized, and I liked this so much that I am considering buying the regular size of it. It coats the lashes really well and certainly adds volume and length. Plus, I do find smaller sizes really handy for holidays, or for trying out before purchasing a full size.
We then have the Caudalie Premier Cru Eye Cream, again in miniature size. Although, eye creams are often in quite small sizes anyway, so this is actually a really good amount of product. I know and love Caudalie as a skincare brand, and so I am looking forward to giving this a whirl. When using an eye cream, or serum, it is important to use your ring finger to apply it with, as this is the finger that applies the least pressure, which is needed for such a delicate area.
The final product is from another brand I haven't come across before, so here we have the Pro Hygiene Collection Antibacterial Makeup Spray. This is actually so useful, as just a few spritzes of this safely eliminates bacteria from makeup and beauty tools. One thing I hate is dirty makeup brushes, and so when I go to Orlando in March I will be able to take this with me to keep my brushes easily cleaned and in good condition. If this works well I would definitely consider buying a full sized version as I am forever on the lookout for products which clean my brushes easily as it is such a chore!
The Feel Unique Best of Beauty Universal Makeup collection costs just £28, and is worth a whopping £80. Check Feel Unique out online here.

All the Loves,
Kathryn x

*This post contains PR samples, but all views are my own

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Lanolips: For Lips, Hands & Allover!

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I have tried and loved Lanolips Tinted Balms before, but until very recently I wasn't aware that Lano also created amazing skincare products too. After trying a few out, I simply had to share with you my finds...
Gentle Cleansing Bar
This cleansing bar looks a little like a bar of soap, except without all the harshness of it being real soap. It is full of 99.8% natural ingredients and is suitable for a normal skin type. The Gentle Cleansing Bar is created using a classic triple-milled cleansing bar recipe to give an easy, gentle yet thorough cleanse to the skin. The bar contains Egg White which has been used for centuries in skincare due to its pore-refining properties and leaves you with fabulously fresh, healthy and clean skin.
Everywhere Multi Cream
I love products which you can use for multi-purposes, and this is one of those hero kinda products. Again, this has been made using 98.4% natural ingredients and is rich and nourishing, but also gentle and kind to the skin. If you suffer from dry, thirsty skin, then this is going to be your best friend, and can be used as a day cream, night cream, hand cream, eye cream, body cream and even a baby cream! In fact, Lano also recommend adding a dollop of the cream to your foundation to make a tinted moisturiser. The ingredients include Triple Lanolin, Vitamin E, and Milk, both of which are great skin conditioners.
Lemonaid Lip Treatment
I just know this is going to be my go-to lip product in Winter, because this has been created for very dry lips. It has been made using 99% natural ingredients - the 1% is a hint of shimmer, and it is super refreshing when your lips are dry as can be. Lemonaid is an ultra rich and creamy whipped lanolin lip treatment made with organic lemon oil, to really moisturise the lips and keep them hydrated. It smells just like old fashioned lemonade and makes me thirsty every time I apply it, and as soon as you apply it on the lips, it instantly makes them feel more nourished and not at all dry.
Lanolips Tinted Balm SPF30
These handy lip balms come in four different shades, and here I have Red Apple and Perfect Nude. They are a great everyday lip product, or make excellent travel buddies, for those who don't like to wear too much makeup on holiday. They have an SPF30, to protect that delicate lip area from the sunshine, enabling you to look great whilst taking care of your skin. The Balms contain Lanolin to condition the lips and then a pretty tint to enhance your natural lip colour, and they can also be used on the cheeks for a healthy glow.
You can find out more about Lano products online at Lanolips.

All the Loves,
Kathryn x

*This post contains PR samples, but all views are my own
Ingredients:
Water/Aqua/Eau*, Lanolin*, Cetearyl Alcohol*, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride*, Glyceryl Stearate*, Butrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter*, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond ) Oil*, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil*, Glycerin*, Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate*, Cetearyl Glucoside*, Cetearyl Olivate*, Sorbitan Olivate*, Carrageenan*, Benzyl Alcohol, Fragrance/Parfum (nat)*, Tocopherol (Vit E)*, Milk*, Ascorbic Acid, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil*, Citric acid, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract*, Beta-Carotene (Ci 75130)*
*naturally derived.
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Urban Decay Naked Heat Lipsticks & Eyeliners

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This Summer saw the launch of the amazing Urban Decay Naked Heat Collection, including the Naked Heat Eyeshadow Palette which I reviewed earlier, yet not to be overshadowed by this, the collection also includes three insane lipsticks and two gorgeous eyeliners. Let's take a look...
The two eyeliners are part of the 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil collection also, and so you know they're going to be amazing! The Eyeliners are available £15.50 each and come in the shade Alkaline, a rich red/brown plum, and Torch, a really warm ginger nude. Both are going to look extra insane for Autumn, and I find that Torch goes perfectly with my blue eyes, and I often put it on my lower lash line for an extra pop of colour. 
The 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils are long lasting eyeliners that don't smudge throughout the day. They are created with 50% moisturising ingredients, such as Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E and Cottonseed Oil, within a waterproof formula, so these also take care of that delicate eye area, whilst also looking incredible. The range of shades available is vast, but I really do love these Autumnal shades, which complement the Eyeshadow Palette beautifully.
Moving onto the lips, and the Naked Heat Collection has three stunning shades, packaged much like the rest of the Vice Lipstick collection, although this time in on-trend copper and yellow gold casing, which I adore! Vice lipsticks apply super smoothly onto the lips, without dragging that delicate pucker, and has alllll the pigment! The Vice formula has been created to hydrate and enhance the lips, and contains many nourishing ingredients such as Aloe Vera, Jojoba Oil, Avocado and Babassu Oils to soften the lips, Illipe Butter to give long-lasting moisture and Vitamin C and E to provide anti-oxidants. 
As mentioned there are three shades within this collection, which include, from top to bottom on the swatches, Fuel, a warm nude cream peach from the Cream formula, Heat, a burnt red-gold, full of sparkle from the Metallized formula, and Scorched, a super-shimmery warm copper bronze, also from the Metallized formula. Fuel is going to be your absolute everyday go to shade, whereas I think Heat will be great for Autumn/Winter and Scorched beautiful for holidays, or when you have a little warmth to the skin.
This is definitely the most excited I have been about an eyeliner and lipstick release in a long time, as the colours, finishes and formulas are just perfect.

The Urban Decay Naked Heat collection is available online at Urban Decay.

All the Loves,
Kathryn x

*This post contains PR samples, but all views are my own

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Image Skincare I Conceal Flawless Foundation & Foundation Brush

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I am always on the hunt for new foundations, even though I have some that I am more than happy with, but I guess we are always trying to achieve that absolutely flawless skin look. A brand I have only recently discovered, Image Skincare, very kindly sent me their Flawless Foundation and Foundation Brush and so I thought I would let you know how I got on...
The Image Skincare I Conceal Flawless Foundation is a daily foundation that heals and conceals for a flawless complexion. It is a foundation which is suitable for all skin types, including pigmentation, redness and rosacea, acne and acne scarring, post cosmetic injections, bruising and scarring, post-treatment, post-laser, post-surgery. I tend to have quite sensitive skin, and often have red patches on my cheeks, but this manages to camouflage those areas really well. 
The bottle itself includes a concealed lid, which you twist up, therefore allowing you the perfect amount each time, and ensuring it doesn't spill out in your makeup bag. Formula-wise, this is an illuminating, lightweight and water-resistant foundation which gives such a healthy, flawless finish to the skin. 

This wonder foundation also includes SPF30, which for a foundation is incredible, so it is not only giving you a great complexion, it is also taking care of your skin whilst you're out and about. 
This is definitely a higher coverage foundation, and you can use as little or as much as is your preference. I more often than not use a Beauty Blender to apply my foundation, but I tried out the No. 101 Flawless Foundation Brush which came with the foundation, and was definitely pleasantly surprised! 
The bristles of the brush are pretty dense, made specifically to fit the contours of your face flawlessly, and are perfect for blending buffing makeup into the skin to give an airbrushed effect. The bristles are also so soft, therefore not dragging on the skin, and giving a pretty, natural finish.
The Image Skincare I Conceal Flawless Finish Foundation and Foundation Brush are available online at Image Skincare UK.

All the Loves,
Kathryn x

*This post contains PR samples, but all views are my own
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Kenra Professional Haircare Collection

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A silver package full of haircare goodness arrived at my home the other day, and inside it was full of products from a brand I haven't come across before, Kenra, a professional haircare brand which has been created to fight a variety of different haircare woes, and with Autumn/Winter almost upon us, you can now learn how to care for your hair correctly.
Starting with the Moisturizing Shampoo (£13.25) and Conditioner (£14.95), and I have become addicted to this formula! If you have dry hair, then this duo is going to really give it some much-needed hydration. They have been formulated using extra emollients and hydrolysed wheat protein and correct moisture deficiency as well as improving manageability. My hair feels super soft and well cared for after using both of these together, and as someone who has highlighted hair, this hasn't had an effect on that.
Next up we have the Platinum Blow Dry Spray (£28.95), and as someone with fine hair this isn't something I would often use, as they can leave my hair quite greasy feeling. However, a light spritzing of this before blow drying my hair, meant that it didn't take as long to dry and due to its lightweight formula, there was no stickiness or oiliness afterwards. This also provides intense heat protection from damage and breakage, detangles the hair and smoothes and softens it as well as being humidity-resistance so perfect for holidays and warmer climates.
Something I definitely needed in my haircare routine due to having fine hair is the Root Lifting Spray 13 (£15.25). This is a volumising building foam fixative which boosts the hair at the roots, to provide style support and body without any stiffness in the hair. It gives a whopping 60 hour hold, has high humidity resistance and provides intense thermal defence up to 428 fahrenheit. Wowzers. It is really quick and easy to use, all you do is shake up the can, spray into damp hair at the root and then blow dry away!
The Platinum Silkening Mist (£18.95) is a really lovely product for the hair, especially if you are going somewhere nice and want to look your absolute best. This is a weightless mist that instantly provides the ultimate shine and makes the hair look super healthy. As well as making the hair look goddess-like, it also provides maximum thermal protection and helps to repair split ends and eliminate frizz and flyaways.
For the ultimate in haircare treats, you simply must try the Platinum Revive Oil (£24.95), a lightweight oil which improves the hair's health as it helps prevent signs of damage. It is a concentrated repair oil that comforts the hair as it strengthens and moisturises. It is ideal for all hair types, so even I can use this with my fine hair, without it making my hair feel greasy or weighed down. You only need to take 1-3 pumps before shampooing, during conditioning or as a finishing product, so again it has multiple uses - gotta love that!
Finally, we have the Volume Spray 25 (£15.25), a super hold finishing spray. This comes in two sizes, and this is the smaller of the two, however there is more than enough to last you months here. Volume Spray 25 provides you with the maximum amount of volume and hold possible, whilst still leaving the hair looking natural and shiny. It says it gives up to 120 hours hold, which is incredible, but I haven't yet had the chance to test it out for that long, however it sounds perfect for festivals and holidays! Another crazy fact is that it is also wind resistant up to 25MPH and gives 24 hour high humidity resistance. A super product indeed!
You can find out more on Kenra Haircare online at Salon Success.

All the Loves,
Kathryn x

*This post contains PR samples, but all views are my own
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